Great Ormond Street Hospital patient Liana aged 4 and her mother meets John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, Lewis Hamilton and Denise Ream, Producer of Cars 2

by Andy Gray

agray@thekmgroup.co.uk

Brave little Liana Perks’ heart was racing when she met Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton.

The four-year-old from Beaufighter Road, West Malling enjoyed an audience with the British champ at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

He was special guest at a nationwide premiere of Disney’s new release, Cars 2, at the London children’s hospital.

Liana, who has suffered a congenital heart problem since birth, also met Walt Disney’s chief creative officer, John Lasseter.

Mum Kate said her daughter was “over the moon” to meet the four-wheeled sports star but needed a few pointers as to his identity.

Kate said: “When we told Lewis was coming Liana wasn’t quite sure who he was.

“When I explained he was the boyfriend of Nicole Scherzinger from Pussycat Dolls she was really excited.”

Kate said the demon driver was an absolute angel with her daughter.
“Lewis really got down to her level,” she said.
“He gave her a big hug and asked lots of questions.

“He even signed pictures for all her friends and she really loved the film.”
Liana, who starts school in September, is a regular patient at Great Ormond Street.

Her mum said it’s “touch and go” whether medication will improve her little girl’s condition.

Kate added: “Meeting Lewis was a breath of fresh air for Liana.

“When you’re living at the hospital 24/7 something like that gives everyone a real break.

“She also got to tell her friends she was one of the first people to see a brand new Disney film.”